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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining